Efficacy of once-daily venlafaxine extended release (XR) for symptoms of anxiety in depressed outpatients.
The effects of once-daily venlafaxine extended release (XR) 75-225 mg/day on symptoms of anxiety in depressed outpatients were assessed in two randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. In study 1, venlafaxine XR was significantly (p < or = 0.05) more effective than placebo by week 4 in relieving anxiety symptoms among patients with moderate or greater anxiety (anxiety-psychic item score > or = 2) at baseline. Among patients with severe (anxiety-psychic item score > or = 3) anxiety, venlafaxine XR was significantly (p < or = 0.05) more effective than placebo beginning at week 6. In study 2, among patients with moderate or greater anxiety (score > or = 2) at baseline, a significant reduction (p < or = 0.05- < or = 0.001) in HAM-D anxiety-psychic item scores was noted with venlafaxine XR compared with placebo from weeks 1 to 8. Among patients with severe anxiety (score > or = 3) at baseline, venlafaxine XR produced a significant reduction (p < or = 0.05- < or = 0.001) in the anxiety-psychic item score compared with placebo from weeks 1 to 8. Discontinuation for adverse events occurred in 11% of patients on venlafaxine XR, and the most common adverse events were nausea, dizziness, insomnia, somnolence and dry mouth. These results indicate that once-daily venlafaxine XR is effective for the treatment of anxiety symptoms associated with major depression in doses ranging from 75 to 225 mg/day.
Feighner
J P
JP
Feighner Research Institute, San Diego, CA 92121, USA.
Entsuah
A R
AR
McPherson
M K
MK
D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D003511:Cyclohexanols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010919:Placebos; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D003511:Cyclohexanols; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D010919:Placebos; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors; D000069470:Venlafaxine Hydrochloride